The invention refers to a heat press according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method of fabricating such a heat press.
Heat applied transfers include a variety of indicia with inks, material layers, and adhesives that become bonded to material layers, for example, apparel such as shirts, jackets, or the like, upon pressurized contact and heating of the transfers and apparel between press platens. Graphic images and lettering may generally be accurately and quickly transferred to the apparel without bleeding or partial interruptions in the bonding of the transfer, as long as the presses can be operated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure.
The presses typically accommodate many variations in the arrangement of transfers and apparel, as well as the types of transfers and apparel materials available. Moreover, the presses accommodate a wide variety of temperatures, pressures, and time intervals associated with application of indicia to a garment. Due to the desire for flexibility and economic factors, presses have traditionally been manually operated, i.e., they often rely on a user (e.g., an operator) to control at least (a) the force applied through the platens and (b) the length of time the force is applied with a mechanical apparatus.
The accuracy and precision of the temperature, and the pressure and the time duration for which these parameters are applied to the transfers, are particularly important to complete an efficient bonding of the transfers to materials and can be difficult to accomplish in an accurate and repeatable manner. The foregoing parameters are set and/or controlled via a heat press controller. Often, the heat press controllers are not viewable by the user during certain portions of the heat transfer process. For example, the user's view of the heat press controller may be blocked by a portion of the heat press when the heat press is opened and/or closed, which can not only be inconvenient to the operator, but may result in errant settings being applied and can result in lost or wasted product. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved heat press.
A heat press of the aforementioned kind is known from
Further heat presses are known from
The present invention deals with the problem of improving such a heating press and an associated manufacturing process.
This problem is solved by the objects of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
The present invention discloses at least the following embodiments, wherein the scope of protection is defined by the claims.
While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of the various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings, exemplary illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.
Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an embodiment. Further, the embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the invention to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.
Various exemplary illustrations are provided herein of exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat. According to one exemplary illustration, a press may include an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press may be adapted to move the upper platen between an open position, wherein the upper and lower platens are spaced away from one another, and a closed position, wherein the upper platen is pressed against the lower platen
A heat press may include a base, a handle, a controller, a heater arm, a pressure link, a lower platen, and an upper platen. The handle may be pivotally coupled to the base. The controller may be integrally formed with the handle. The heater arm may be pivotally coupled to the base. The pressure link may be pivotally coupled to the handle and the heater arm. The lower platen may be connected to base. The upper platen may be connected to the heater arm. A surface of the upper platen may be separated from a surface of the lower platen in a first position. The surface of the upper platen may be in contact with the surface of the lower platen in a second position
Exemplary illustrations are described in detail below. General discussion applies to all the figures as follows, with discussion specific to each figure later provided.
Referring generally to the figures, an exemplary heat press 10 is shown according to the disclosure. The heat press 10 may include a base 12, a handle 14, a heater arm 16, a controller 18, a pressure link 19, a lower platen 20, and/or an upper platen 22. In some example configurations, the base 12 may include a first portion 241, a second portion 242, and/or a third portion 243. The second portion 242 and/or the third portion 243 may extend from the first portion 241. The second portion 242 may be spaced apart from the third portion 243. In some examples, the second portion 242 and the third portion 243 may include geometries (e.g., shapes) that are substantially similar.
In some example configurations, the handle 14 may be pivotally coupled to the base 12. In some examples, the handle 14 may include a first portion 261 spaced apart from a second portion 262, and/or a third portion 263 extending between and/or connecting the first portion 261 and the second portion 262. In some instances, the first portion 261 and the second portion 262 may include geometries that are substantially similar (e.g., elongated). In some examples, the first portion 261 of the handle 14 may be pivotally coupled to the second portion 242 of the base 12 and/or the second portion 262 of the handle 14 may be pivotally coupled to the third portion 243 of the base 12.
In some examples, the first portion 261 of handle 14 may include a through hole 301 that may be aligned with a through hole 321 of the second portion 242 of the base 12 and/or the second portion 262 of handle 14 may include a through hole 341, that may be aligned with a through hole 361 of the third portion 243 of the base 12. In some examples, a first coupler 381 including a bolt 40 (e.g., a pin, a rod, a screw, among others) and at least one fastener 42 (e.g., a nut, etc.) may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes 30i, 32i. In some example configurations, the first coupler 381 may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the handle 14 to the base 12, such that the handle 14 rotates relative to the base 12 about a first axis A1.
In some example configurations, the controller 18 may be integrally formed with the handle 14, and in the illustrated example is on an end of the handle 14. In some instances, the controller 18 may be disposed within the third portion 263 of the handle 14. In some examples, the controller 18 may be at least partially disposed in the first portion 261, the second portion 262, and/or the third portion 263 of the handle 14. In some examples, the third portion 263 of the handle 14 includes the controller 18.
In some implementations, the heater arm 16 may be pivotally coupled to the base 12. The heater arm 16 may include a first portion 441 and/or a second portion 442. The first portion 441 and the second portion 442 may include substantially similar geometries. In some examples, the first portion 441 of the heater arm 16 may be pivotally coupled to the second portion 242 of the base 12 and/or the second portion 442 of the heater arm 16 may be pivotally coupled to the third portion 243 of the base 12.
In this regard, the first portion 441 of the heater arm 16 may include a first clevis 461 and/or the second portion 442 of the heater arm 16 may include a second clevis 462. The second portion 242 of the base may be at least partially disposed with the first clevis 461, such that portions of the first portion 441 of the heater arm 16 may be disposed on either side of the second portion 242 of the base 12. The third portion 243 of the base 12 may be at least partially disposed within the second clevis 462, such that portions of the second portion 442 of the heater arm 16 may be disposed on either side of the third portion 243 of the base 12.
In some examples, the first portion 441 of the heater arm 16 may include a through hole 481 that be aligned with an additional through hole 322 of the second portion 242 of the base 12 and/or the second portion 442 of heater arm 16 may include a through hole 501, that may be aligned with an additional through hole 362 of the third portion 243 of the base 12. In some examples, a second coupler 382 may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes 481, 322, and/or the first clevis 461. A third coupler 383 may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes 501, 362, and/or the second clevis 462. In some example configurations, the second coupler 382 and/or the third coupler 383 may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the heater arm 16 to the base 12, such that the heater arm 16 rotates relative to the base 12 about a second axis A2. In some instances, the second axis A2 may extend in a direction that may be substantially parallel to the first axis A1.
In some example configurations, the pressure link 19 may be pivotally coupled to the handle 14 and/or the heater arm 16. In some examples, the heat press 10 may include a first pressure link 191 and/or a second pressure link 192. The first pressure link 191 may be coupled to the first portion 441 of the heater arm 16 and the second portion 242 of the base. The second pressure link 192 may be coupled to the second portion 442 of the heater arm 16 and the third portion 243 of the base.
In some implementations, the first pressure link 191 may include a first through hole 541 and a second through hole 542, and/or the second pressure link 192 may include a third through hole 543 and a fourth through hole 544. In some instances, the first through hole 541 of the first pressure link 191 may be aligned with an aperture 551 of the first portion 261 of the handle 14, and/or the third through hole 543 of the second pressure link 192 may be aligned with a second aperture 552 of the second portion 262 of the handle 14. In some examples, a fourth coupler 384 (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a pin, a rod, among others) may be disposed, at least partially, within the first through hole 541, and the first aperture 551, and/or a fifth coupler 38s (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a pin, a rod, among others) may be disposed, at least partially within the third through hole 543, and the second aperture 552.
In some implementations, the second through hole 542 of the first pressure link 191 may be aligned with an additional through hole 482 of the first portion 441 of the heater arm 16, and/or the fourth through hole 544 of the second pressure link 192 may be aligned with an additional through hole 502 of the second portion 442 of the heater arm 16. In some examples, a sixth coupler 386 may be disposed, at least partially, within the through holes 542, 482, and/or a seventh coupler 387 may be disposed, at least partially within the through holes 544, 502.
In some example configurations, the fourth coupler 384 and/or the fifth coupler 385 may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the first pressure link 191 and/or the second pressure link 192 to the handle 14, such that the first pressure link 191 and/or the second pressure link 192 rotate about a third axis A3. The sixth coupler 386 and/or the seventh coupler 387 may be configured to, at least in part, pivotally couple the first pressure link 191 and/or the second link 192 to the heater arm 16, such that the first pressure link 191 and/or the second link 192 rotates about a fourth axis A4. In some instances, the first axis A1, the second axis A2, the third axis A3, and/or the fourth axis A4 may extend in directions that are substantially parallel. In some examples, the heater arm 16 may be coupled to the handle 14 via the pressure link 19.
In some implementations, the lower platen 20 may be fixed directly (e.g., screwed, fastened, etc.) to the base 12. In some instances, the lower platen 20 may be fixed directly to the first portion 241 of the base 12. In some example configurations, the upper platen 22 may be coupled to the heater arm 16. In some instances, the upper platen 22 may be coupled to the heater arm 16 via an adjustment component 56. The adjustment component 56 may include a threaded portion 58 connected to a handle 60. The adjustment component 56 may be configured to move the upper platen 22 closer to and/or further away from the heater arm 16. In this regard, an operator of the heat press 10 may rotate the handle 60 about a fifth axis A5 which may move the upper platen 22 relative to the heater arm 16 (see, e.g.,
In some example configurations, a heater 62 may be disposed within at least one of the lower platen 20 and/or the upper platen 22. In some examples, the heater 62 may be disposed within the upper platen 22. In some examples, the heater 62 may be disposed within the lower platen 20. In some instances, the heater 62 may include conventional electrically resistive heating elements and the like, which may be formed as serpentine or otherwise wound throughout surface areas of the upper platen 22 and/or the lower platen 22.
The heater 62 may be coupled to a typical power supply (not depicted) through a switch and/or a controller and may be configured for adjusting the temperature of heater 62, e.g., by way of the controller 18. The temperature of the heater 62 may be adjusted by adjusting power to the heat elements. In some instances, the upper platen 22 and/or the lower platen 20 may carry a thermo-couple sensor, RTD probe, NTC thermistor or similar device (not shown) which may be wired in a conventional manner to generate temperature information for the controller 18, which displays information (e.g., heat press parameters) via a display 64 and/or a controller readout. The display 64 may be disposed on a viewing surface S18 of the controller 18, such that the display 64 is viewable by an operator (e.g., a user) of the heat press 10. An electrical circuit for the heater 62 may also include a temperature control such as a thermostat.
In some implementations, the controller 18 may generally include computational and/or control elements (e.g., a microprocessor and/or a microcontroller). The controller 18 may be electrically connected to the heater 62. The controller 18 may generally provide time monitoring, temperature monitoring, pressure monitoring, and control, as examples. The display 64 of the controller 18 may further include various readout displays, e.g., to allow display of a force, temperature, or time associated with operation of the heat press 10. In some examples, the display 64 may allow for manipulation of the controller 18 by an operator, e.g., by way of a touchscreen interface (not shown). In some examples, the controller 18 may include input capabilities, to set time, temperature, and the like, via for instance, a touch screen, via push buttons 66, and/or turn knobs 67 as examples (see, e.g.,
In some example configurations, the controller 18 may include a display 64 and at least one turn knob 67. In some instances, the controller 18 may include one or more additional displays 64. In some examples, the controller 18 may include a viewing surface S18. The display 64 and the one or more additional displays 64 may be disposed on the viewing surface S18. In some examples, each respective display 64 may be configured to display a different heat press parameter (e.g., a temperature of the heater 62 and/or a timer) (see, e.g.,
In some example configurations, the controller 18 includes a plurality of push buttons 66 that may be disposed on the viewing surface S18 of the controller 18. In this regard, the push buttons 66 may be disposed on the same surface (e.g., the viewing surface S18) as the display 64 and/or the one or more additional displays 64 (see, e.g.,
In some instances, the heat press 10 may include a first shock 681 and/or a second shock 682. In some examples, the first shock 681 and/or the second shock 682 may be connected to the base 12 and the heater arm 16. In this regard, the first shock 681 may be connected to the second portion 262 of the base 12 and the first portion 441 of the heater arm, and/or the second shock 682 may be connected to the third portion 263 of the base 12 and the second portion 442 of the heater arm 16. The first shock 681 and/or the second shock 682 may be configured to counterbalance (e.g., dampen the movement of) the upper platen 22 (e.g., when the upper platen 22 includes the weight of the heater 62) when the operator manipulates the handle 14 to move the upper platen 22. The first shock 681 and/or the second shock 682 may include gas springs and/or other conventional shocks.
Referring now to
Referring now to
During operation, manipulation (e.g., movement) of the handle 14 (e.g., a terminal end of the handle 14 and/or the third portion 263 of the handle 14) may cause the pressure link 19 (e.g., a first press link 191 and/or a second pressure link 192), the heater arm 16, and/or the upper platen 22 to simultaneous move. In this regard, when the operator manipulates the handle 14, the handle 14 will rotate relative to the base 12 about the first axis A1. The pressure link 19 will rotate relative to the handle 14 about the third axis A3, and/or the pressure 19 will rotate relative to the heater arm 16 about the fourth axis A4. The heater arm 16 will rotate relative to the base 12 about the second axis A2, which may cause the upper platen 22 to move relative to the lower platen 20.
In some implementation, during operation of the heat press 10, an operator's view and/or access to the controller 18, the display 64, the push buttons 66, and/or the turn knobs 67 are never blocked/obstructed. For example, the controller 18 is formed integrally with the handle 14 (e.g., a terminal end of the handle 14 and/or the third portion 263 of the handle 14). In this regard, the operator of the heat press 10 engages (e.g., grabs, contacts, etc.) the terminal end of the handle 14 and/or the third portion 263 of the handle 14 throughout the entire heat transfer process. Therefore, by integrally forming the controller 18 with the handle 14, the operator has easy (e.g., unblock/unobstructed) access to the controller 18, the display 64, the push buttons 66, and/or the turn knobs 67 throughout the entire heat transfer process.
In some example configurations, the heat press 10 may include a low profile. As such, the heat press 10 may be able to operate in a variety of tight environments due to its low profile. The disclosed subject matter therefore includes minimal gap between the upper platen 22 (e.g., when the heater 62 is disposed within the upper platen 22) and the heater arm 16 (e.g., all the compliance structure is under the platen 22 where more space for garment clearance is beneficial, instead of above the heater 62). The handle 14 positions maintain low profile (i.e., the handle 14 does not stick straight up making it more difficult to store).
In some examples, the heat press 10 may include a total height of approximately 23 cm (9 inch), a width of approximately 33 cm (13 inch), a depth of approximately 46 cm (18 inch), a platen height of approximately 10 cm (4 inch), and a clearance around the platen of approximately 5 cm (2 inch). This is in contrast to known heat presses that occupy a larger profile or volume (e.g., bulky) and are generally much taller. The low profile or volume is obtained due to, at least in part, the compact nature of engagement of the base 12 with the lower platen 20. In addition, the overall package height is minimized due to the additional impact of the handle 14 and its operation to raise and lower the upper platen 22.
Thus, the conditions for setup, takedown, and operation in cramped and inconvenient locations is improved because of the compact design.
Thus, according to the disclosure and as illustrated in the drawings, a heat press 10 includes a base 12, a handle 14 pivotally coupled to the base 12, a controller 18 integrally formed with the handle 14, a heater arm 16 pivotally coupled to the base 12, and a pressure link 19 pivotally coupled to the handle 14 and the heater arm 16. Heat press 10 further includes a lower platen 20 connected to the base 12, and an upper platen 22 connected to the heater arm 16. A surface S22 of the upper platen 22 is in contact with a surface S20 of the lower platen 20 in a first position, and the surface S22 of the upper platen 22 is separated from the surface S20 of the lower platen 20 in a second position.
Additionally, according to the disclosure, and as illustrated in the drawings, a method of fabricating a heat press 10 includes integrally forming a controller 18 with a handle 14, attaching the handle 14 to a base 12, attaching a heater arm 16 to the base 12, coupling a pressure link 19 to the heater arm 16 and the handle 14, attaching a lower platen 20 to the base 12, and coupling an upper platen 22 to the heater arm 16.
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.